Frictional mechanism



Aug- 27, 1946f I w. H. HUNTER 2,406,543

FRIGTIONAL MECHNI SM Filed Dep. 3, 1943 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 M//sm Ham/L Aug. 27, 1946. w, H, HUNTER 2,406,543

' u FRICTIONAL MECHANISM I f Filed Deo. 5, 1943 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 w. H. HUNTER FRICTIONAL MECHANISM Aug. 27, 1946.

-5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Dec. 3, 1945 l/'i//san HEIN/"5a. J M y@ Patented Aug. 27, 1946 .FRICTIONAL MECHANISM Willson H. Hunter, Lakewood, Ohio, assignor to The B. F. VGoodrich Company, New York, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application December 3, 1943, Serial No. 512,721

This invention relates to frictional mechanism for rotative bodies such as brakes for the wheels of aircraft or other vehicles although features of the invention are useful in mechanisms such as clutches operated by fluid pressure. l

The principal objects ofthe invention are'to provide a high degree of spring actionwithout using objectionally stiff springs, to provide high concentricity of adjacent friction elements with a cooperating frictionall member and maintenance 1o of such concentricity as the blocks movein or out of engagement with a cooperating frictional member, to provide for protecting an expander tube from dirt and from direct radiation of heat, and to provide for facility of assembly.

Further objects are to provide for dependable operation, to provide for facility of maintenance, to provide a high degree of equalization in the distribution of frictional pressure, to provide flexible self-conforming action of the friction surface, to provide for substantially concealing the retractor springs within the confines of the friction elements, and to provide longevity of the mechanism. Y

These and other objects will appear from the following description and the' accompanying drawings: A- l Of the drawings,

Fig. 1 isa side elevation,4 partly. broken away and partly in section, of a frictional mechanism constructed inV accordance with and embodying the invention.

Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken along theline 2-2 of Fig. l.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a friction element used in the embodiment of Figs. 1 and 2.

Fig. 4 is a side elevation, partly broken away and partly in section, of a modified construction.

Fig. 5 is a detail face view, partly broken'away and partly in section, of the embodiment of Fig. 4. 40

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a friction element.

Fig, 7 is a side elevation, partly broken'away and `partly in section, of a further modified construction.

Fig.'8 is a detail face view, partly broken away 45 and partly in section, of the embodiment of Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is a side elevation, partly broken away and partly in section, of still another modied/ form of the invention.

Fig. 10 is a cross-section thereof, taken on line 50 I0-I0 of Fig, 9.

Fig. 11 is a detail view vof the braking face of the structure shown in Fig. 9, parts being broken away and parts shown in section.

`Referring tothe drawings, and'rst to Figs. 1 55 l13 Claims. (Cl. 188-152) 2, to 3 thereof, the numeral I0 designates an annular torque frame that may be fastened through holes II as by bolts or other fastening means (not shown) to a flange of a shaft (not shown). The torque frame is formed with a fixed flange I4 at one side and a removable flange I5 at the other,

fastened together by bolts 3l, which define a circumferential outwardly facing channel I2 within.

a surrounding brake drum I3. Seated Within the annular channel I2 is an annular expander tube I6 adapted to force the braking surface against the drum'when the tube is inflated. The expander tube I 6 is' connected by an L-shaped metal stem I 'I extending through the torque frame I to a source of uid pressure (not shown). The annular channel I2 is also formed with a localized depression I8 at the position of the expander tube is inflated and to clear the ,drum when the tube 'isdeflatedv The elements are relatively thin and somewhat flexible so as to conform to the opposing brake drum in full circle contact, while providing light weight construction.

.To retain the elements I9 in place in the channel I2, and to prevent excessive undesirable circumferential displacement thereof a series of narrow torque bars 20, ofa length sufficient to bridge the width of the channel, extend between circumferentially, adjacent brake elements I9 and through opening 2|, 22 in the flanges I5 and I4 respectively.

The torque bars may be secured to one of the flanges as by heads 20a of the bars engaging against the flange I5 and welded thereto as at 23. The other ends of the bars extend through fiange I4 and may be secured thereto as by a washer 24 and a cotter pin 25, or other` suitable fastening means.

The elements I9 are rabbeted about the mar-v gins of their drum-engaging faces to provide adjacent their supporting faces circumferentially extending marginal ledges 26 and terminal ledges 2l (see Fig. 3). The angesM, I5 of the torque frame have inwardly directed circumferential flanges orl ledges .28, 29 respectively extending of a shaftV (not` shown) with the bars shield the expander tube from heat.

radiated from the drum I 3.

The retractor springs 36, 3| are preferably of flat spring wire and extend completely around the torque frame. Each springv is corrugated tp provide inwardly bowed portions 32' adaptedV tor press against the ledges 26 ofthe elements to force the elements radially inward. of the torque frame, and inwardly bowed portions 33 for errgaging about the torque. bars 2E), with outwardly bowed portions 34, 35 at" each side of the cross bars] to restrain-the spring against circumfer` ential displacementand to bear against the ledges 28,., 29. The ends 365 3,6 of the spring maybe overlapped; The arrangement is' such that in-` flation of the expander tube ISca-uses; the springs` to be flattenedat their bowed portions 32 bypressure of the, ledges 26 outwardly with the bowed portions 33 nrst fulcruming about the torque bars 21%)'a1'id then about the ledges 28,V 29;

Referring to` the embodiment shown in Figs. 41 andv 5, the numeral; 46' designates a torque frame that may be fastened' through holes 4I to a flange The torque frame is formed with a circumferential channel 42' defined by a fixed flange 43' at one side and a removable Y flange '4.4 at the other secured to each other, by bolts. Seated' within the annular channel 42 with its` inner face in, continuous. contact therewith isk an annular expander tube 45 adapted to force the braking surface against a cooperating frictional member (not shown).

Seatedy inV the channel 42 over the expander i l tube, 415,? and in direct contact therewithin close-l ly spaced relation,V are a plurality-'of brake ele,-V ments 4&1 preferably formed of molded Vheat. re.-` sist'antcompositiom TheseA elements are adapted to -be forced into frictional engagement wi'thf'aV brake Vcl-rumnot shown) when. the tube is inf` flated and-releasedfrom thesame when the tube is deflated., The elements4 may be of thin c'onstruction to promote a highv degree-oi concentricity for full circle contact. 3 The elements 6 are-retained in place in the Y channel 42. againstfundesirable. circumferential movement by a series of torque-resisting lugs d?,

disposed between the adjacent'terminal faces of vthe elements. These lugs 4'! maybe formed by inwardly bending a sectionl ofthe flanges 42 and.y 43' for a short distance at'positionsrbetween the- The elementsfinay have` their corners notchedfas at 48. to receive the lugs adjacent elements 46.

4l so, that` the space 49 between adjacent` elements i6 is relatively small to shield the tubelltV fromradiated heat, or where the lugs extend only the width of theY ledges, hereinafter described notching ofthe elementsv may be dispensed with.v

For retaining'the elements radially withinthe desired range of movement, the flanges42, 43y

are. provided ywith inwardly turnedcircumferential margins or ledges 42a, 43a, and the circum` ferential margins of the elements. 4S- are rabbeted at their drum-engaging Vfaces toprovidelaterally extending ledges underlyingthe ledges 1 42a, 43a of the, flanges, as.- shown inFi'g'. 6., .This provides 'annularpassages at the sides of theele- Cil 4 ments to clear the torque-resisting lugs and the springs.

Leaf springs d, for retracting the elements are housed in the passages provided between vthe torque frame flanges and the elements. Each spring 56 has an end portion 5I of U-shape adaptedk t engage about a torque lug 41 and has out- Wardly bowledpo-rtions; 532, 55 near'its ends for engaging underV the marginal ledges 42a, 43a

while its central portion is inwardly bowed to engage the ledge of the element. y The arrangement is such that each spring is tensioned between the adjacentV element and the inwardly turned overlapping margin` of the torque flange thereover and yacts to force the element radially inward when the expanderr tube is deated.

f Referring to theembodiment of the invention illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8; a torque frame 60 that may be fastened through holes 6I to a flange of a shaft (not shown) is formed with` a circumferential-channel 6-2 definedl by` a fixed ange 63 at one side-and a removable ila-nge 6'4- atthe other.' Seated-'within the annular channelKSZ, with its inner face irl-continuous contact therewith is an annular expander tube 65 adapted tcforce the braking surface against a cooperating frictional drum (not shown).

Retained in the channel 62 over the expander tube {S5-and in direct contact therewith are-a plu# rality ofV brake elements Btg preferably formed of molded, heat-resistan-t` composition. The elements 66 may be slightly flexible and areadapted to be forced into f rictional engagement with a brake (not shownl when the tube 65 is'in-v flated and to be released from contact with the same when the tube is deflated.

The friction elements 6.6 are retained circumferentially inthe-channel 62- by a series of torqueresisting lugs 61 on th'e flanges of theframe 66. The corners ofthe elements 66 maybe notched ask at 69? tol clear the lugs 611, when the lugs extend beyond the braking surafaceV as shown in-y the drawings,V so that the elements cannot move ex;-

cessively circumferentially of the channel 62';

The notches 69of the blocks 6?!l also permit the adjacent faces 'Ifof the elements 66 to lieinclosey juxtaposition so that directed radiated heatv from the drum cannot readily reach theexpandertube 65;' Shorter lugsinay beemployed, howevenand the notchesV dispensed with, if desired.

A reversely-bowed leaf retractor spring 'I-I hav'- ing its inwardly arched end portions 'I-2, 'I3 and anl outwardlyarched center portion, is fastened. at its central portion, as by rivets 'I6 tothe flanges t3 and` 64 of the frame 66. The curved arms 'I4 and 'I5 of the spring 'II- are adapted to ride on, a circumferential ledge 'I7 vof the element 66 so as to urge the element 65' radiallyy inward to; a

from the'expander-tube 65.

The torque flanges 63 and 64 mayA have'insmaller diameter when the pressure is' released wardly turned marginal ledges 'I8 to cover the spring 'II-, to facilitate'alignment of the blocks 56 in the channel 62, and limit the radial travelr of the blocksthe-channel 62 by engaging over the ledgesfI-'I'I in overlapping relation.

Y ReferringV to Figs.4 9 toll' of. the drawings, the, numeral 86 designates a Itorque frarnel-iavingl a.

circumferential outwardly facingchannel 8|. defined by radially extending flanges 32533.r The: ange 82 is lfixed with respect tothe torqueframe, whereasthe iiange` 8-3 is removable, and secured by bolts 84. Seated.l within the. channellis anl expander tube of resilie'ntrubber orotherrubber-like material. Within the'channel over'the expander tube and in directpontact therewith are a seriesof arcuate brake elements 86 of heat resistant friction material which maybe somewhat flexible. The elements 86 are seated on the expander tube and are closely spaced to provide substantially full circle contact with a surrounding brake drum (not shown), and toprotect th'e expander tube from direct radiation of heat.

For retaining the elements in the channel for limited radial movement the circumferential margins of the elements are rabbeted from the braking face thereof to provide marginal retaining ledges 81, 88, and the flanges 82, 8 3 have their outer circumferential margins turned inwardly to form circumferential shoulders 89, 90 respectively, 'extending over the ledges. The radial spacing of the ledges 81, 88 from the shoulders 89, 90 is such as to define circumferential spaces therebetween at all times. Located within such circumferential spaces are a series of leaf springs 9| preferably of flat spring wire. The material of the flanges 82, 83 is pierced with U-shaped cuts at regular intervals and the enclosed portions are turned into the channel to provide torque lugs 92. The elements 86 have laterally extending pins 93 in their rabbeted portions projecting into the circumferential spaces between th'e successive torque lugs. Each leaf spring 9| has one end 94 looped about one of the torque lugs and the opposite end thereof looped about a pin 93. Between its looped ends, the spring is bowed outwardly as at 95 so that it bears outwardly on the shoulder thereover as a fulcrum. It also bears against the ledge 81 or 88, near the pin 93 and is stressed between the ledge and the shoulder so as to press th'e element toward the expander tube. The arrangement is such that the blocks 86 are pressed against the expander tube 85 by the springs 9| which also act to resiliently hold the elements 86 circumferentially against all buty limitedmovement afforded by straightening of the springs under torque, while fluid under pressure admitted to the expander tube 85 willforce the elements radially outward against the brake drum. A

This arrangement has the advantage of cushioning circumferential shock when braking forces are applied while the same cushioning Ameans'acts to retract the friction elements quickly when the braking force is released.

' In all the embodiments of the invention, the friction elements may be readily molded or machined from friction brake material and are relatively simple to produce. The seating of the friction elements directly upon the expander'y tube and their thin, somewhat flexible construction assures their conforming to the braking surface and maintaining their concentricity throughout their movement, while the location of the springs at the sides of the brake elements provides space for springs of high amplitude of springing movement without excessive stiffness. The arrangement of the friction elements, the retractor springs and the torque pins 'or lugs is suchas to facilitate assembly and to protect the tube from direct radiation of heat while the spring arrangement prevents hanging or dragging of the brakes and'affords a quick release of braking contact.y

The springs are so concealed as -to protect them from dirt, and the arrangement of springs and friction elements protects the expander tube from contact with oil, grease, or other foreign matter which' might damage the tube. Also, the ledges at the sides of each friction element provide a larger surface of the element at the expander face thereof than at the drum-engaging face of the elements element,which'provides a mechanical advantage' in the force applied to the drum.

Variations may be made without departing from the scope of the'invention as it is defined` marginal ledges in overlapping krelation defining passages at the sides of said elements, and spring .means located at the sides of saidelements withinA said passages for retracting said elements;

2.' Frictional mechanism for controlling rela,- tive rotation of rotatable parts,vsaid mechanism y comprising a pair of concentric`members, one of said membersV having an annular channel open t0- ward the other, an inflatable expander located in said channel, friction elements on said expander 2'5 within the channel for engagementwith the opposing member, torque-resisting means extending into said channel from the side walls thereof, saidl side Walls and said elements having circumferentially extending marginal ledges in overlapping relation defining passages at the sides of said elements, and spring means anchored to said torque-resisting means within said passages for retracting said elements.V

3. Frictional mechanism for controlling relative rotation of rotatable parts, said mechanism comprising a pair of concentric members, one of said members having an annular channel open toward the other, an inflatable expander located in said 4.6, channel, friction elements directly seated on said expander within the channel, said sidewalls of the channel and said elements having circumferentially extending marginal ledges in overlapping relation dening passages at thesidesof saidelements, and spring means located at the sides of said elements within said passages for retracting said elements, said spring means comprising bowed `leaf springs anchored to the channel and impingirig against a ledgeof a friction element.

epFrictional mechanism for controlling relative' rotation of rotatable parts, said mechanism comprising a pair of concentric members, one of said members having an annular channel open toward the other, an inflatable expander located in said channel, a series of friction elements directly seated on said expander within the channel in close formation providing a substantially continuous friction surface for engagement with the opposing member, torque-resisting means extending into said channel from the side Walls thereof, said side walls and said elements having circumferentially extending marginal ledges in overlapping relation for limiting radial movement of said elements and defining passages at the sides of said elements, and spring means located at the `sides ofsaid elements withinA said passages andv associated with said torque-resisting means for retracting said elements, said spring means comprising a bowed leaf spring resiliently stressed between the overlapping ledges of a channel side wall and a friction element.

5. Frictional mechanism for controlling relative rotation of rotatable parts, said mechanism comprising a pair of concentric members, one of said members having an annular channel open for controlling relahaving circumferentially extending'v tovvardl the other, an inflatable. expander located v in said channel, a seriesy of. friction elements direetly seated lon' safidi-,exllvanderwithin thechan-v toT torque-resisting means and bearing against, a. ledge of a friction element.

6.\Frictional mechanism for controlling rela- Y tive' rotation 'of' rotatable parts, said mechanism,

comprising a pair of concentric members, one of saidf'members having an annular channel open toward the otherjan inflatable expanderV locatedv in' said channel, a, series of friction elements directly seatedon said expander within the channel v8.4 Eric-tionalI mechanism for controlling relative. rotationV of. rotatable parts, said.V mechanism comprising apair of concentric members,v oneof said membershaving an annular channelopen tow-ard the other, an inflatable expander. tube located inv said channel., a. seriesof frictionv elements directly seated on said expander tube Withinthe channelin close formation providing Y a substantially continuous friction surfacev for engagement. with the opposing member, torque--A resistingfmeans: extending into said channel. from the sidefwalls. thereof, said side-Walls andfsaid: elements. having circumferentially extending marginal ledges in overlapping relation for limiting radial movement of. said elementsY andde.- iiningi circumferential.passages at ther sides of said. elements, and spring means located at. the sides of; said elements within said passages and associated. with said torque-resisting means for retracting said elements, saidspring meanscomlprisi-ng' a bowed spring having one end-engage inY close formation .providing a substantially continuous friction surface for engagement with the opposing membentorque-resisting means extending'in-to. saidchannel fromfthe side Walls there,- of, said side Walls andi said' elements having cir'- cumferentially extending marginal ledgesin Overlapping relation: for limiting radial movement of said elements and defining passages at the sides of said blocks, andspring means located at the sides of saidel'ements Within said passages and associatedl with said torque-resisting means for e retracting said elements, said spring means comprising a bowedv leaf spring anchored to one of said torqueresisting means and bearing against the-overlapping-ledges o-f a channel side Wall and africti'on element.

7. Frictional mechanismfor controlling relative rotation of; rotata-ble parts,v said-mechanism comprisingv a pair of concentric members, one of said members having` an. annularr channelY open, towardthe other; an inatable expander located in said channel,aV series of friction elements di; rec-tlyfseated on said expander Within the channel in closeformation providing a substantially continuous friction. surface for engagement with the opposing 'memben torque-resisting means extending into said channel from the side walls thereof, said side Walls and said, elements having circumferentially extending marginal.. ledges in overlapping relation for limiting radial movement of said elements and defining circumferential passages at the sides of said elements, and. spring means located at the sides of said elements Within said passages and associated with said torqueresisting means for retracting said elements, said spring means comprising `a, leaf spring extend--V ing completely about said channel, saidspring having portionsjengaging about saidltorque-re.-` istingmeans, and bowed portions therebetween bearing againsta ledge 'of the channelside wall andi overlapping ledgesv of said' friction elements.`

ing oneof said torque-resisting means andthe other end anchored to a friction elementV for resiliently cushioning circumferential shock of engagement.y

19.. Frictional mechanism A for controllingrela. Y

tive rotation ofro'tatable parts, saidV mechanism comprising a pair of members, one of -s-aidy members having av channel open toward the` other, an expander in said channel, friction elements associatedwith said. expander in said; channel, a

, torque bar secured to said channel. and extending acro-sssaid channel between said elements, said friction elements having' circumferential axially projecting marginal.V ledges, each ledge projectingat the sidevof the element beyond the friction faceof the element, and retractor spring means locatedy within sa-id channel .at` the marginal ledgesy and operable on: said marginal ledges of said elements. i i

lil.Y Erictional mechanism as de'lnedin claim 9 in. WhichI said torque bar" isr insertablefthroughu a side of said channel; g Y Y f 1l. Frictionalmechanism'as defined in claim 9 in which saidY-retraetor' spring' means engages said torque bar: and said ledges of said frictionl elements. i.

l2. Friotionall mechanism. as defined in claim- 9 in which said retractor spring means comprises a spring engaging said torque bar and said ledges of a pair ofl circum-feren-tially adjacent friction Y elements:v

13.l A frictional mechanismY comprising a pair of' concentricall-y' arranged relatively rotatable members,I one of sa-idgmembers having flanges defining a channel open-toward the other mem,- ber, anexpa-nder seated in said channeL ai series of pressure elements: upon, said. expander Vand movable radiallyx of the channelled memben, said pressure ele-ments having: circumferential marginsextending axially bevond the Working faces of. the pressure elements, spring meanson, said margins and engaging adjacent elements forV resiliently urging them toward each; other;. and

meanst for. limitingA circumferentialL movement of said elements.` o

WILLSON H'. HUNTER.V 

